Purchasing Assistant (AA-152-25E) JAO

JOB POSTING

NOTICE OF EXTERNAL JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSTING #AA-152-25E
PURCHASING ASSISTANT

LOCATION:
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, PURCHASING SECTION, JOINT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, WHITTIER

About Us: In the Financial Management department, personal growth and well-being are at the heart of our culture. We foster an environment where employees thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong work ethic, we move fast and work hard to meet the demands of our customers. Our office is energetic and fast-paced, providing a stimulating environment for those who enjoy a challenge.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
As a Purchasing Assistant in the Purchasing and Risk Management Section, you will be responsible for performing a variety of specialized purchasing tasks and various commodity purchasing.

JOB SUMMARY:

The major job duties are listed below. For a complete list of duties, please see the job description.

Under the general Supervisor of Purchasing and the technical guidance of Buyers, the incumbent will:

• Serve as the apprentice level in the Buyer series and operate as part of the Procurement team
• Maintain vendor/product information and address vendor or customer concerns
• Purchase or negotiate materials, supplies, equipment, and services for various departments
• Primarily engage in routine purchasing/expediting/follow-up activities
• Review/renew blanket contract agreements and handle purchasing for less complex product lines to meet departmental needs
• Prepare departmental informal bids or proposals
• Compare and analyze quotations to determine the qualified low bid
• Determine vendors for purchases and issue purchase orders
• Investigate and resolve complaints from departments regarding delivery or pricing issues
• Support procurement team in a mentee capacity; Partner with senior procurement professional for guidance and development
• Conduct meetings and interviews with vendors regarding products and services

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must possess one of the following:

• Option A : Two (2) years of experience above the trainee level in the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County in financial record-keeping
  
• Option B : Three (3) years of experience performing purchasing-related tasks or financial record keeping
  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience performing purchasing functions at or above entry-level
  
• Course-work in Purchasing or related field
  
• Familiarity with inventory management systems
• Certification in procurement or supply chain management is a plus
• Strong mathematical skills for price analysis and cost calculations
• Ability to adapt and learn new processes and systems quickly
• Prior Warehouse Coordinator, Supply Chain, Assistant Buyer experience

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The competitive selection process may cover:

Knowledge of :

• Office methods
  
• Basic purchasing practices
  
• Mathematical calculations including percentages
  

Ability to:

• Maintain files and prepare reports
  
• Perform arithmetic calculations using a calculator
  
• Work with outside vendors and other departments
  
• Learn to apply purchasing principles and procedures
  
• Learn principles of accounts payable bookkeeping and related procedures
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 40%, and an interview weighted at 60%.
  
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
  
• The written exam is tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2025.
• The interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of September 22, 2025.
  
  

Please apply online at www.lacsd.org within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application. Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail. Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.

NOTE:
The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources .

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Antonio Archuleta at antonioarchuleta@lacsd.org .

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2025, the Districts contribute $2,305.28 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 26, 2024

Closing Date/Time: 9/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

• 562-699-7411

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